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Understand the rules for becoming a Michigan farmers market vendor.

Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes farmers market season. Purchasing food from your local farmers market is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh products and support local farms and businesses. Michigan State University Extension recommends supporting Michigan agriculture through the purchase of local food. For vendors, farmers markets are a simple way to exhibit their products and connect with the community, but many vendors ask a similar question: what can I sell at a farmers market?

Although farmers market vendors can sell these foods without a license, there are still some requirements and recommendations to be followed. If a vendor would like to sell products that have been produced an outside party, they will need to acquire a food establishment license. This includes vendors that send their produce to be milled, processed or pasteurized by an outside licensed company.

Some of these items also require specific labels and FDA approved warning statements. Foods should always be held at proper temperatures to prevent spoilage and maintain food safety. This includes holding cut leafy greens and eggs below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, reminding the consumers to wash fresh produce before eating is always a good idea!

May 8, 2017 | Joanne Davidhizar | Kellogg Community College joins Glen Oaks Community College and Southwestern Michigan College as partners with Michigan State University (MSU) Institute of Agricultural Technology.